Phoenix Temple open house

This evening, we had the privilege of touring the newly-constructed Phoenix temple with a couple of Matt's co-workers.

{Aaron, Elisa, Allison, Matt}

{our family}

I also had the opportunity earlier in the month to be a part of the contractor's tour, which allowed employees and their families of contractors that worked on the temple to walk through before it was open to the general public.  My dad didn't actually work on the temple himself, but the company he works for did a portion of the painting.  Matt was on his father/son overnighter with Blake so it was  me and the other four kids along with Becky and her kids, then my parents and two of the three boys.

Cookies in the hospitality tent after the tour!

Gav with the mini Christus

It's quite the drive (1hr 15 mins) over to the northwest side of the valley, but it was worth it to see the new temple, neatly nestled against the mountains.  Each temple is so unique, and while this new temple is fairly small in comparison to the Gilbert temple, the significance of the ordinances performed there and the Spirit that is felt are just the same.  When the Phoenix temple is dedicated next month, there will be five operating temples in Arizona, along with a sixth temple announced for Tucson.   Temples bring great joy to faithful members in the area and stand as a beacon for all to see.

I realize how incredibly blessed we are to participate in the open house and dedications of TWO new temples in the valley within the same year!